ping4 tim1平添
Jyutpingping4 tim1
Yalepìhng tīm
Definition
To add or increase naturally, spontaneously, or unexpectedly.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
Literary in nature, this term is almost exclusively used in written contexts or formal speech to describe an increase that happens organically or unexpectedly. It carries a sense of elegance or poetic nuance that makes it sound out of place in casual, everyday conversation. You will often see it used to describe abstract concepts like atmosphere, charm, or sorrow rather than physical objects.
Examples
This rain adds a touch of poetic atmosphere to the park.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this for simple addition like adding sugar to coffee, but it is reserved for abstract or atmospheric changes. Using it to describe adding physical items will sound unnatural or overly dramatic.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
